An unique, fun & social experience awaits you this winter and all year round: Dodgeball League!

Downtown Dodgeball helps bring teams of New Yorkers together for weekly games and social outings. You can join as an individual or small group and be placed on a team, or join as a full team.

Games are held Tuesday nights between 6:30 and 9:30 in the East Village. The winter 2010 coed dodgeball season begins January 19th and runs for 7 weeks with an 8th week of playoffs.
Registration deadline: 12/31/2009. For more info: visit their website

Watch this nicely made video to get a sense of what to expect

Free to watch, $60 to play:
* A full season of dodgeball officiated by Downtown Dodgeball refs
* The opportunity to network with cool ladies and gents in a fun atmosphere
* Access to exclusive drink specials at the league bar
* A Downtown Dodgeball team t-shirt
* And much, much more!

The High Line was originally constructed in the 1930s, to lift dangerous freight trains off Manhattan’s streets. Section 1 of the High Line is now open as a public park! When all sections are complete, the High Line will be a mile-and-a-half-long elevated park, running through the West Side neighborhoods of the Meatpacking District, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. It features an integrated landscape, designed by landscape architects James Corner Field Operations, with architects Diller Scofidio + Renfro, combining meandering concrete pathways with naturalistic plantings. Fixed and movable seating, lighting, and special features are also included in the park.

See images of the architects’ vision for High Line Park: Design Gallery

Summer Events

July 12th – High Line Street Festival with Target
July 15th – Design Talk: Lecture with the Designers
Throughout the summer – Walking Tours of High Line
Throughout the summer – Family Events
Full schedule of events

The High Line is open from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Access to the High Line is possible via any of these access points: Gansevoort, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th Streets. Dogs are currently not allowed on the High Line due to the limited area of the pathways and the fragility of the new plantings.

Summers in NYC would not be complete without visiting one of the city’s many rooftop bars and outdoor gardens. For many locals, this is a great escape from our tiny studio-side apartments with windows 3 feet away from the next building. Uh huh!

The Hudson’s New Sky Terrace
356 W. 58th Street; 212-554-6000
Located on the 15th floor of the Hudson Hotel, Sky Terrace is now open to the public! A large hammock-lined landscaped terrace with sweeping city and Hudson River views. Try the mango ginger margarita.

Salon de Ning
Peninsula Hotel, 700 5th Avenue, at 55th Street; daily 4:00PM – 1:00AM
Themes based on the tale of Shanghainese socialite Madame Ning and her travels. Expensive drinks, but the views and decor are worth it!

230 Fifth Rooftop Garden
230 5th Ave (& 27th St.), 20th floor; Open everyday 4:00PM – 4:00AM
Expensive drinks and a little cheesy, but 230 Fifth offers the city’s largest rooftop bar and best views of the Empire State Building

Cantor Rooftop Garden at Metropolitan Museum of Art
1000 5th Avenue, at 82nd Street; 212-570-3820
This Art filled museum rooftop garden offers amazing views of Central Park and 5th Ave. Currently exhibiting Roxy Paine on the Roof. Past exhibits include amazing balloon sculptures by Jeff Koons.

A60 (Above 60) Rooftop
60 Thompson Street, between Spring and Broome Streets; Open everyday 6:00PM – 12:30AM
Hotel guests and members-only rooftop bar with stunning views of downtown Manhattan. Another Thompson hotel rooftop that is open to the public…
Above Allen Rooftop
190 Allen Street btw Houston and Stanton
This new rooftop has the usual expensive drinks but also has great music, great views of midtown & a popular Wednesday night.

Bohemian Hall Beer Garden
29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria; 718-274-4925
This Astoria Queens Beer Garden is the oldest and biggest for outdoor beer drinking, with $14 pitchers and picnic chairs and weekly Jazz and Comedy.

Plunge
Hotel Gansevoort, 18 Ninth Avenue, at 13th Street; 877-426-7386
Usually horribly crowded and cheesy, but if you are in the Meatpacking District, in need of a rooftop, and can’t get into the members-only SoHo House, this is it.
If this is not your style, you can always try
The Garden of Ono
The hotel’s ground level restaurant has a bamboo-filled outdoor garden and four cabanas. Call ahead for reservations at 212-660-6766.

Rise at the Ritz-Carlton, Battery Park
2 W. Street, 14th fl, 917-790-2626
Located on the 14th floor of the Ritz-Carlton in Battery Park, this award-winning and aptly named bar boasts one of the most dramatic views in the city, perfect for July 4th fireworks!

The Park – Garden & Penthouse
118 Tenth Avenue, between 17th and 18th Street; 212-352-3313
Steps away from the elevated High Line Park, The Park features a lower level garden with Japanese maple trees and atop level Penthouse. This place has something for everyone!

Highbar Rooftop Lounge
251 West 48th Street; 212-229-0010
The breezy sixteen stories Highbar terrace is sprinkled with sprawling day beds, plush love seats as well as a UFO chair. Try the Drunken Watermelon: a scooped out melon rind, filled with the liquor of your choice.

Notable Mentions

B-Bar & Grill – 40 E 4th Street
The Delancey – 168 Delancey Street, at Clinton Street
Local West – 1 Penn Place, Eighth Avenue at 33rd Street
Studio B – 259 Banker Street
AVA Penthouse Garden – 210 W 55th Street
Brass Monkey – 530 W. 27th Street
Empire Hotel Rooftop – 44 West 63rd Street

Thanks to all of you who @islandwoo‘d or sent me your awesome photos of the 2009 NYC Bubble Battle in Time Square. Special thanks to @stacykfuller for the fantastic shot below!

LIVE photos from some of the other twitterers who captured the excitement and drama of this year’s Time Square Bubble Battle. (Thanks to @tomatoejam, @nicolebadac, @dugange, @cubanpab, vfnyc1, jandan)

If you have photos that you’d like to include here, please tweet them to @islandwoo or send them to islandwoo@gmail.com

Awesome video by davemarc23

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Taste of Tribeca showcases the extraordinary food from some great restaurants in the TriBeCa neighborhood of NYC. $40 buys you 6 tasting samples from Ribs to Sushi to Ice Cream. In case you missed it, here’re some awesome photos that hopefully will inspire you to attend in the future.

I’m seeking your photos and videos of Taste of Tribeca 2009. Send your photos to Islandwoo@gmail.com or Tweet to @Islandwoo

How does anyone not love Broadway shows and Off-Broadway plays on the world’s best stages in New York City? The biggest stars and newest talent in the nation sweat everyday performing LIVE for you and I! My problem is and maybe you can relate, spending $100 per show every couple of weeks in order to see all the shows I want to see.

In the past, I’ve offered you discount codes to see shows like Boeing Boeing with Bradley Whitford or the amazing acting in 39 Steps. I thought it would be extremely valuable to you and I to have all the best Broadway (and Off) discounts in one place and up to date!

Follow me on Twitter to be the first to be notified of new discount codes. Or tweet @islandwoo to include a discount not here.

Burn the Floor: Ballroom. Reinvented.

BURN THE FLOOR, the sizzling Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular that has thrilled audiences around the globe, comes to Broadway July 25th for a limited 12-week engagement. Take advantage of this special offer now and see the show The London Independent calls, “Extraordinary! So hot it contributes to global warming. BURN THE FLOOR will take your breath away!”
Discount:
$45.50 for Rear Mezz (code: BFTCX625)
$56.50 for Orch/Front Mezz (code: BFTCX625)
Offer Expiration: through 7/25-8/16. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: BroadwayOffers.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

SHREK: The Musical

Take your whole family on a hassle-free, totally memorable, completely affordable SHREKcation! Customize a New York City day trip that the little ogres AND princesses will love, not to mention the big, bad hubby. When you receive your tickets, you’ll also get coupons for deals at restaurants, museums and other unforgettable New York City attractions!
Discount:
But 1 ticket ($66.50 – $126.50) get up to 3 additional tickets for 50% Off ($34 – $64) – (code: SHREKDEAL)
Offer Expiration: through 9/6/09. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: SHREKcation.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY (now with Phylicia Rashad!)

PHYLICIA RASHAD joins and AMY MORTON returns to BROADWAY’S MOST
AWARD-WINNING CAST!
Discount:
$46.50 for Rear Mezz (code: OCTCX33)
$59.50 for Tuesday to Thursday: Orch/Front Mezz (code: OCTCX33)
$66.50 for Friday to Sunday: Orch/Front Mezz (code: OCTCX33)
Offer Expiration: through 8/23/09. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: BroadwayOffers.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

The Tin Pan Alley Rag

America, 1915. Ragtime has set the country ablaze with its surprising syncopated rhythms. Scott Joplin and Irving Berlin are this brand new sound’s crowned kings, and they reign in its capital, New York City!
Discount:
$45.50 – $51.50 (code: TRTCR)
Offer Expiration: through 9/6/09 (order by 7/14). All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: ROUNDABOUTTHEATRE.ORG, Phone: 212-719-1300

Mary Stuart

A juicy drama about two glamorous divas going at it hammer and tongs. MARY STUART has just been nominated for an incredible 7 Tony Award nominations, including BEST PLAY REVIVAL and Best Actress (Janet McTeer and Harriet Walter)
Discount:
$55 for Tuesday to Thursday (code: QSTCX0504)
$65 for Friday to Sunday (code: QSTCX0504)
Offer Expiration: through 6/14/09. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: BroadwayOffers.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

The Norman Conquests

Broadway’s comedy smash-hit and best-reviewed show of the season, THE NORMAN CONQUESTS, has just been honored with 7 Tony Award nominations, including BEST PLAY REVIVAL! THE NORMAN CONQUESTS is a trio of comedies: TABLE MANNERS, LIVING TOGETHER and ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN. Each individual play offers a view of one comically catastrophic weekend, shared by six spouses and in-laws, at the family house in the country.
Discount:
$65 for 1 Play (code: NCTCEON)
$185 for All 3 Plays – Trilogy (code: NCTCEMAR)
Offer Expiration: through 7/26/09. All prices include a $2.00 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: BroadwayOffers.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

Exit The King

The great Academy Award®-winning actor Geoffrey Rush makes his Broadway debut, alongside Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, in this potently funny comedy about a failing king who is told his time is up…but refuses to get off the stage without a fight. The phenomenal cast also stars the extraordinary Lauren Ambrose and Andrea Martin, and features William Sadler and Brian Hutchison. According to the critics, this incredible theatrical event, and these magnificent performances, must not be missed!
Discount: 40% Off
$45 to $79 (code: EKTCX0505)
$69 to $86: Preferred Seating (code: EKTCB0505)
Offer Expiration: through 6/7/09. All prices include a $1.50 facility fee. Limit of 8 tickets per order.
Web: BroadwayOffers.com, Phone: 212-947-8844

The much anticipated LightSaber Battle was over in 30 minutes after it started as the police broke up the seemingly violent crowd. The “massive blacklight cannons” failed to provide the effect that defined this event. Several smaller black lights however were used and kept pockets of the crowd pleased. If you arrived 20 minutes late, you would have thought it was just a group of drunk college students hitting each other with cardboard in the dark. Despite the disappointments, it was a great event as captured by the photos and video below, and a great way to spend a warm Saturday evening outdoors with friends. Thanks @MetromixNewYork for the images below:

If you have photos that you’d like to include here, please tweet them to @islandwoo or send them to islandwoo@gmail.com

Awesome video from @emonome

NYC’s First Blacklight Glowing LightSaber Battle @ Washington Square Park

3,000 blacklight-reactive, meter-long cardboard tubes will be distributed in Teen Plaza, where there will be massive blacklight cannons aimed at the crowd! Wear black, neon or both. The battle will continue until every tube is DESTROYED!” Free and for all ages!

New York City’s First Blacklight-Reactive Glowing Lightsaber Battle!!
Date: Saturday, April 25th, 2009, 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
Location: Washington Square Park (SE Corner) & LaGuardia Place, NYC

UPDATE: Photos of 2009 LightSaber Battle NYC uploaded!
Twitter friends: As I did for the Pillow Fight, please tweet your Live photos to @Islandwoo and I will compile them here! Please RT!
If you missed the NYC Pillow Fight on Wall Street (photos & videos from you via Twitter) earlier this month, this is your chance to redeem yourself and participate in one of NYC’s most unique events, brought to you by Newmindspace and NYU Program Board

Volunteers needed the day before: We will be spray painting the tubes on Friday, April 24th at Refuge from 6 PM – 9 PM. Take the L train to Halsey, walk east to Decatur St., south to 1532. If using Google maps, use this address: 1532 Decatur St. Queens NY

Photo below from the Toronto LightSaber Battle 2008:

The annual Tribeca Film Festival includes films from 33 countries with 48 world premieres. Here are the top three films to watch out for at this year’s festival:

Date: Wednesday, April 22 to May 3, 2009
Location: Theaters throughout NYC
Tickets: Early individual tickets available to American Express® Cardmembers on 4/14 and to general public on 4/20 (more details)

Midgets Vs. Mascots

A cross between Jackass and the Real World/Road Rules Challenge, this outrageous and hilarious film features the highly anticipated return of Gary Coleman (as you’ve never seen him before), leading his team as their “Shaquille O’Neal.” Director Ron Carlson choreographs the always-hysterical (and at times gross) action to produce tear-inducing laughter as the drunken, belligerent mascots act more foolish than their costumes can make them look, and their rivals prove that size has no impact on a competition when the competitive spirit and determination is so strong (website)

Woody Allen and Larry David to Open Tribeca Film Festival 2009 with “Whatever Works”

Annie Hall, Manhattan, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Hannah and Her Sisters. Until recently, Woody Allen’s films were synonymous with New York, but then he went to Europe for a while and explored the continent with the successful Match Point and Vicky Cristina Barcelona. With his latest film, Allen has found his way back to the Big Apple—specifically, to the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival.

Whatever Works, Woody Allen’s new comedy starring Ed Begley Jr., Patricia Clarkson, Larry David, and Evan Rachel Wood, will have its world premiere as the opening night film of the 2009 Tribeca Film Festival. For Allen, the film and the Festival signal a return to New York City: “A lovely idea of showing my film in a film festival in my own city. It’s very exciting.”

Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Jane Rosenthal concurs, “I fell in love with New York through Woody Allen’s movies and I am excited we are opening this year’s Festival with Sony Pictures Classics for the world premiere of Woody’s Whatever Works, a uniquely funny addition to his body of work.” The premiere will take place on Wednesday, April 22. Whatever Works is slated for a June 19 release from Sony Pictures Classics.

2009 Tribeca Film Fest to close with “My Life In Ruins”

From Nia Vardalos, writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, comes the uplifting comedy My Life in Ruins. Georgia (Nia Vardalos) has lost her kefi (Greek for “mojo”). Discouraged by her lack of direction in life, she works as a travel guide, leading a rag-tag group of tourists as she tries to show them the beauty of her native Greece while waiting to land her dream job. Opening their eyes to an exotic foreign land, she too begins to see things in new ways—finding her kefi and possibly love in the process.

My Life in Ruins stars Nia Vardalos, Richard Dreyfuss, María Ádanez, Sheila Bernette, María Botto, Rachel Dratch, Alexis Georgoulis, Ralph Nossek, Bernice Stegers and Harland Williams. Donald Petrie (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Miss Congeniality) directs from a script by Emmy winner Mike Reiss.

Apple Store Soho FREE Panel discussions:
Wednesday, April 22
7:00 PM – Spike Lee (Kobe Doin’ Work)
Friday, April 24
3:30 PM – Natalie Portman (discusses a new web project)
6:00 PM – Dan Fogler (Hysterical Psycho)
7:30 PM – Lee Daniels (Monster’s Ball, Precious)
Saturday, April 25
4:00 PM – So Yong Kim and Bradley Rust Gray (Treeless Mountain, The Exploding Girl)
6:30 PM – Ti West (The House of the Devil)
Sunday, April 26
5:00 PM – Conor McPherson (The Eclipse)
Monday, April 27
5:00 PM – Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Carlos Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, Rudo y Cursi)
6:30 PM – Gabriel Noble (P-Star Rising)
8:00 PM – Atom Egoyan (The Sweet Hereafter, Adoration)
Tuesday, April 28
6:30 PM – Eric Bana (Love the Beast – directing debut)
Thursday, April 30
5:00 PM – Kirby Dick (Twist of Faith, Outrage)
Friday, May 1
7:00 PM – Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) and Donald Petrie (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days) discusses My Life in Ruins

Links to FREE Events during the Tribeca Film Fest:

Browse the Entire Film Guide:

Which films are you looking forward to at this year’s festival?
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Thanks to all those who @Islandwoo‘d or DM’d me on Twitter with your awesome LIVE photos of the 2009 NYC Pillow Fight on Wall Street. Special thanks to @evilhackerdude for the fantastic shot below!

LIVE photos from some of the other twitterers who captured the excitement and drama of this year’s Wall Street Pillow Fight. (Thanks to @andrewbaron, @ashylbowz, @eraybasar, @jwegener, @manuelrappard, @sgrugle, @tiezzi, @Urbangranny)

More pillow fight media:
2009 World Pillow Fight Day Info and Video
2008 World Pillow Fight Day Photos from Union Square